Bihar bus electrocution: 2 killed, 8 hurt as vehicle hits 11kV line in Nalanda
Synopsis
A rooftop bicycle on a labourer-packed bus was enough to trigger an 11,000-volt electrocution in Bihar's Nalanda, killing a husband and wife and leaving eight others critically burned. The tragedy underscores a persistent rural hazard: dangerously low overhead power lines over roads used by overloaded vehicles.
Key Takeaways
Rudal Manjhi and his wife Phulo Devi were killed by electrocution in Nalanda district, Bihar on 17 June .
A bus carrying 50–60 labourers from a brick kiln in Narkatiaganj hit an 11,000-volt overhead power line in the Pawapuri area.
A bicycle on the roof of the bus is believed to have made contact with the high-tension wire, according to preliminary investigation.
Eight passengers — including Putus Kumari, Karu Manjhi, and six others — were admitted to Pawapuri Medical College and Hospital in critical condition.
A high-level inquiry committee has been constituted on the direction of the district Superintendent of Police.
Two labourers were killed and eight others suffered serious burn injuries in Bihar's Nalanda district on 17 June after a passenger bus carrying workers came into contact with an 11,000-volt high-tension power line in the Pawapuri police station area. The deceased have been identified as Rudal Manjhi and his wife Phulo Devi, who died from electrocution while returning home from a brick kiln.
How the Accident Happened
The bus was transporting approximately 50 to 60 labourers back to their village, Ghosrawa, after a day's work at a brick kiln in Narkatiaganj, West Champaran district. According to preliminary reports, a bicycle placed on the roof of the bus made contact with the overhead high-voltage line as the vehicle passed through the area. The resulting electric current surged through the bus, triggering panic among passengers.
Victims and Injured
The eight injured passengers were rescued and admitted to Pawapuri Medical College and Hospital for treatment. According to officials, several of the injured remain in critical condition. Those receiving treatment have been identified as Putus Kumari, Rinku Devi, Karu Manjhi, Santosh Manjhi, Pawan Manjhi, Saroj Devi, Dharmendra Manjhi, and Rajkumar Manjhi. The bodies of the deceased were sent to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Local Response and Rescue
Local residents responded swiftly to the emergency, helping pull passengers off the bus before police and emergency services arrived. Their prompt intervention is reported to have prevented further casualties. Pawapuri Police Station personnel reached the scene and initiated rescue and relief operations.
Investigation Under Way
Gaurav Kumar Singh, Station House Officer of Pawapuri Police Station, confirmed that preliminary findings point to the rooftop bicycle as the trigger. 'On the direction of the district SP, we have constituted a high-level inquiry committee to investigate this case,' Singh stated. Authorities are continuing to examine the full circumstances of the incident. This comes amid recurring concerns about inadequate clearance between overhead power lines and road traffic in rural Bihar — a hazard that has claimed lives in similar incidents across the state in recent years.
Point of View
The next inquiry committee is already waiting to be constituted.
NationPress
4 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Bihar bus electrocution in Nalanda on 17 June?
A bicycle placed on the roof of a passenger bus made contact with an 11,000-volt overhead high-tension power line as the vehicle passed through the Pawapuri area of Nalanda district. The resulting electric current surged through the bus, killing two passengers and injuring eight others.
Who were the deceased in the Nalanda bus electrocution?
The two people killed were Rudal Manjhi and his wife Phulo Devi, both labourers returning to their village Ghosrawa after working at a brick kiln in Narkatiaganj, West Champaran.
Where are the injured being treated?
All eight injured passengers were admitted to Pawapuri Medical College and Hospital. Officials have confirmed that several of them remain in critical condition.
What action has the administration taken after the accident?
Pawapuri Station House Officer Gaurav Kumar Singh confirmed that a high-level inquiry committee has been formed on the direction of the district Superintendent of Police to investigate the circumstances of the accident. The bodies were sent to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination.
How many people were on the bus at the time of the accident?
The bus was reportedly carrying approximately 50 to 60 labourers who were returning to their village after a day's work at a brick kiln in Narkatiaganj, West Champaran district.
